Consider the Lilies

Through heavy curtains
Morning steals in–
Gray, sullen, frowning,
As though carrying a grudge
Against yesterday’s tumultuous birth
That scattered its gold everywhere,
Bursting through windows,
Streaking through the willows,
Blushing the face of the pond,
Then rousing soft twitterings
Tucked under feathered wing.

But this day arrives, perfunctory,
On schedule since its Genesis.
Duty bound to serve, and bestow
Its allotted measure
Of mercy and grace
Upon pilgrims passing through,
Who, because of the somber gray skies
And the sun’s truancy,
Are apt to fail to consider
The lilies of the field
Whose faces are lifted up
In celebration,
Regardless.

By Lena Coapstick
Copyright 4-22-09

The Easter Lily represents Christ’s resurrection, a new season in Christianity, and rebirth.  In a way, sharing this poem about lilies on our blog this Easter gives Lena a chance to reach and inspire more people.

When Lena wrote this poem sixteen years ago, she was in the last stages of a valiant struggle with Cancer and would pass away later in the year.  Our Marble Women’s Ministry Blog honors her today and her family, who shared this amazing poem with us.

Lena was a self-taught poet who lived her entire life on a farm in Indiana.  Her works were published in her community and statewide.  Her favorite American poets were Mary Oliver and William Stafford.    She had a love for nature and found joy in music.  Many who loved her shared that she created beauty in everything she put her hands to and her heart into.  Even when she faced difficult times, she always looked at life with great hope.

Another thought from the poet:

“There are no detours on a spiritual journey.”  Lena Coapstick

Happy Easter to All!